The Collector: Toy tank gets high 'Marx'

Dear Collector: The enclosed photo is of a key-wound tank complete with rat-a-tat machine gun and gunner. The only clue to its manufacture is a “Pat’s Pend’g, Mar Toys” of the hatch.

My research proves your litho-tin toy dates from around 1942. Made by Marx and offered in early '40s Montgomery Ward catalogs, this plaything was larger and better decorated than the more common “Turnover Tank” and employed the same basic mechanics as the “Planet Patrol Space Tank,” also from Marx. Current fair-market value, in perfect working and cosmetic condition, is $125-$175.

Dear Collector: Would you please tell me the value of this “Owens Utopian” vase?

Owens, an Ohio pottery established in 1885, produced artware similar to its nearest competitor, Roseville (both were located in the same town). Your early 20th-century piece could be worth several hundred dollars, especially if you can identify the decorator from their initials which were often placed next to the maker’s mark.

Dear Collector: I have this Jim Beam fox decanter on a display shelf for years. What is it worth?

Issued in 1965 and again in ’67, this figural is called “The Green Fox” after the color of his riding jacket. Value rarely exceeds $30.

Dear Collector: What is the story in back of my “Hubie Baby” button?

Promoting the 1968 presidential campaign of Hubert Humphrey, this pinback is worth all of $5.

Dear Collector: What is the purpose of the device shown in the enclosed photos? There are no markings on it that I can see.

Your whatchamacallit is a pencil pointer, an early type of pencil sharpener. Probably dating from the last quarter of the 19th century, its value is about $40.

Dear Collector: Would you assist us in identifying the age and value of this double teapot set? We recently got them at a local jumble sale at our church.

Your Twin-Tee miniature set consisting of a teapot, hot water pot and tray, dating sometime after 1930, came from the East Liverpool, Ohio, factory of Hall China Company. Value could be as much as $150.

Dear Collector: I have come across a 50 cent piece with an 1818 date and have been unable to find anything about it, including its value.

Slightly less than 2 million 90 percent silver half-dollars were minted for 1818. Low value on one listed in circulated (good) condition is about $50.

Dear Collector: Enclosed are pictures of a wash basin set we purchased for $125 at an auction in the 1980s. All four pieces are marked “Royal Patent Ironstone, Burgess & Goddard.” Can you advise us as to age and value?

Importing wares from Staffordshire, B&G operated between 1850 and 1890. Your basin, jug, shaving mug and toothbrush holder date from the 1880s. Current market value is approximately what you paid.

Dear Collector: Should I put this painting in storage for my children?

Your watercolor by Miss Wilson (born in 1877), who worked in her namesake state and California until her death in 1961, may not command high prices at today’s auctions, but as with most artwork, there’s always hope for the future.

Prices quoted reflect retail values, and as with many antiques and collectibles these values vary. Readers are encouraged to submit questions with photos to The Collector, P.O. Box 229, West Boxford, MA 01885-0229, or ask online at www.askthecollector.com. Please don’t ask help in buying or selling your items. Sorry, photos cannot be returned and will become the property of The Collector. For a personal reply, send $25 per item check or money order to The Collector at the address above.

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